A friend sent me the document outlining The U.S. Marine Corps leadership principles.

I am so inspired by it, that I wanted to distill it’s main points.

Enjoy!

Leadership is the combination of intellectual abilities, human understanding, and moral qualities that allows a person to effectively guide and influence a group.

The purpose of leadership is TO ACCOMPLISH A MISSION.

Plain and simple.

They prioritize these traits:

↳ Decisiveness

↳ Integrity

↳ Endurance

Here are 14 leadership traits from the U.S. Marine Corps, relevant to founders and entrepreneurs.

1. Justice: Play fair

Treat team members and clients with fairness. Transparent decisions build a culture of trust and respect.

↳ Action Tip: Regularly review your policies and team feedback to ensure fairness in rewards and recognitions.

2. Judgment: Make wise decisions

Use your experience to make informed business decisions.

↳ Action Tip: Gather diverse viewpoints to broaden your perspective before making major decisions.

3. Dependability: Be reliable

Your team looks to you for stability. Be consistent in your actions and decisions.

↳ Action Tip: Establish clear goals and follow through on your commitments.

Read about what being in the military can teach you about entrepreneurship.

4. Initiative: Lead by action

Take proactive steps to address opportunities or issues before they demand your reaction.

↳ Action Tip: Encourage a culture where team members feel empowered to take initiative.

5. Decisiveness: Act with conviction

In the fast-paced world of startups, the ability to make quick, firm decisions is crucial.

↳ Action Tip: Practice making decisions under time constraints to improve your confidence and speed.

6. Tact: Communicate with care

How you say things is as important as what you say.

↳ Action Tip: Develop your communication skills through workshops or coaching.

7. Integrity: Your ethics

Maintain high ethical standards. Integrity attracts talent, investors, and customers.

↳ Action Tip: Regularly reflect on your business practices to ensure they align with your core values.

Read about why the military can be considered the best entrepreneurship training program in the country.

8. Enthusiasm: Bring energy

Your passion is contagious. Lead with enthusiasm to inspire your team.

↳ Action Tip: Celebrate small victories to keep morale high.

9. Bearing: Present yourself well

Your demeanor sets the tone. Carry yourself with confidence and professionalism.

↳ Action Tip: Be mindful of your body language during meetings and public appearances.

10. Unselfishness: Focus on others

Put the needs of your team and your mission above your own.

↳ Action Tip: Allocate time to mentor and support individual team members.

11. Courage: Stand strong in your beliefs

Stand firm in your convictions, especially under pressure.

↳ Action Tip: Take calculated risks to lead your business into new ventures.

12. Knowledge: Never stop learning

Stay informed about your industry and business operations.

↳ Action Tip: Set aside time each week to read industry news and trends.

Read about how serving in the military taught this entrepreneur about employee well-being.

13. Loyalty: Build Strong Bonds

Loyalty to your team and vision encourages a reciprocal commitment from your employees.

↳ Action Tip: Show genuine interest in your team’s professional and personal growth.

14. Endurance: Lasting Through Challenges 

The entrepreneurial journey is a marathon. Build your resilience.

↳ Action Tip: Incorporate regular physical and mental wellness practices into your routine.

Remember, leadership is a learned skill.

It’s the secret behind excellent companies, communities and even families.

Till next week,

Noemi

P.S. My weekly book recommendation is one of my old time favorites.

The 5 Levels of Leadership by John Maxwell.

Here is the link: